[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 27 (Wednesday, February 15, 2017)]
[House]
[Page H1224]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SEATTLE'S DIVESTMENT FROM WELLS FARGO
(Ms. JAYAPAL asked and was given permission to address the House for
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
Ms. JAYAPAL. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate my hometown, the
city of Seattle, on its historic decision to terminate its $3 billion
relationship with Wells Fargo Bank over its financing and support of
the Dakota Access pipeline.
Last week, the Seattle City Council voted unanimously to divest from
Wells Fargo, making it the first major city to do so.
Led by Native American and environmental activists, our city made an
important statement about the vision that we have for our community and
for our world. That vision centralizes both the rights of our native
brothers and sisters, and our environment.
Just like it did with the $15 minimum wage, Seattle continues to be a
leader and a model for the rest of the country, and activists and
cities around the United States have picked up the torch.
We stand united in prioritizing our environment, as it is deeply
connected to the health of our communities. Rather than allowing
dangerous pipeline projects to continue, putting millions of people at
risk, we should be focused on being leaders in the international fight
against climate change.
I am committed, Mr. Speaker, to taking every opportunity to protect
our resources and fight for a bold alternative energy plan that
includes a just transition that creates great union jobs and puts us on
a sustainable path forward.
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